Grand Rapids Public School Boys Volleyball
The Issue
At GRPS, we have volleyball players who long to play on a varsity team and have been seeking support from the community.
Last year, when Boys Volleyball became an official MHSAA sport, Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) sadly denied students the opportunity to play.
I did have the pleasure of speaking with Marcus Harris, AD at Ottawa Hills, who returned my phone calls twice! :) He listened and ultimately offered two main reasons why we were denied: (1) there wasn't enough interest, and (2) there was insufficient time to communicate the opportunity to students and families.
The first reason came up in late winter as the season was approaching. At that point, Mr. Harris didn't think there was enough interest to justify the budget and logistics of a varsity team. Then, right as the season's tryout week began, I spoke with Ross Willick, AD of Kenowa Hills School District. Mr. Willick explained that their boys team had space and would be willing to form a co-op with GRPS. Not only that, but they were willing to incur the financial burden as well. Mr. Willick was optimistic that, despite the late application for an MHSAA co-op agreement, we could get it pushed through for the 2025/26 season.
The ADs had a call. Mr. Willick and Mr. Harris had a conversation, after which I received an email from Mr. Willick. He explained that it wouldn't happen this year and that the 2026/27 season would be something to work toward. As of now, the co-op offer is still on the table.
Mr. Harris called me after that conversation and said that, although he was open to the Co-op, he did not feel there was adequate time for all GRPS students to be notified and try out for the proposed Kenowa Hills/GRPS co-op for the 2025/26 season. In fairness, we needed the time to communicate first.
Whether it's a co-op or a standalone GRPS team, this petition does two things:
1. Shows interest.
2. Provides enough time to communicate. (The season starts around March.)
We urge Grand Rapids Public School's community members to recognize the interest and potential within our student body and make boys volleyball accessible by the 2026/27 school year. Please join us in supporting this cause and sign the petition to bring boys volleyball to GRPS. Your signature is a step toward giving our scholar-athletes a chance to play the sport they love and excel in. Sign now to help make this a reality!
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The Issue
At GRPS, we have volleyball players who long to play on a varsity team and have been seeking support from the community.
Last year, when Boys Volleyball became an official MHSAA sport, Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) sadly denied students the opportunity to play.
I did have the pleasure of speaking with Marcus Harris, AD at Ottawa Hills, who returned my phone calls twice! :) He listened and ultimately offered two main reasons why we were denied: (1) there wasn't enough interest, and (2) there was insufficient time to communicate the opportunity to students and families.
The first reason came up in late winter as the season was approaching. At that point, Mr. Harris didn't think there was enough interest to justify the budget and logistics of a varsity team. Then, right as the season's tryout week began, I spoke with Ross Willick, AD of Kenowa Hills School District. Mr. Willick explained that their boys team had space and would be willing to form a co-op with GRPS. Not only that, but they were willing to incur the financial burden as well. Mr. Willick was optimistic that, despite the late application for an MHSAA co-op agreement, we could get it pushed through for the 2025/26 season.
The ADs had a call. Mr. Willick and Mr. Harris had a conversation, after which I received an email from Mr. Willick. He explained that it wouldn't happen this year and that the 2026/27 season would be something to work toward. As of now, the co-op offer is still on the table.
Mr. Harris called me after that conversation and said that, although he was open to the Co-op, he did not feel there was adequate time for all GRPS students to be notified and try out for the proposed Kenowa Hills/GRPS co-op for the 2025/26 season. In fairness, we needed the time to communicate first.
Whether it's a co-op or a standalone GRPS team, this petition does two things:
1. Shows interest.
2. Provides enough time to communicate. (The season starts around March.)
We urge Grand Rapids Public School's community members to recognize the interest and potential within our student body and make boys volleyball accessible by the 2026/27 school year. Please join us in supporting this cause and sign the petition to bring boys volleyball to GRPS. Your signature is a step toward giving our scholar-athletes a chance to play the sport they love and excel in. Sign now to help make this a reality!
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Petition created on July 14, 2026